Exploring the Differences in Learning Processes in Active Discussions of an Informal Online Learning Community

• In Event: 32.084 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 32.084-2 - Emerging Technology Environments for Learning

Abstract

This study explored the differences in learning processes in different active discussions of the GRE Analytical Writing Section Discussion Forum, a popular informal online language learning community in China. Six active discussion threads with a total number of 701 postings were selected as sample. A coding scheme adapted from the Community of Inquiry model was used to identify the difference in the distributions of teaching presence, cognitive presence, and social presence in different discussions. In addition, the study investigated the social structures of discussions using social network analysis. The results indicated a significant difference of distributions of teaching presence, cognitive presence, and social presence as well as different interaction structures in different active discussions of the forum.

Authors

• Yanyan Sun, East China Normal University

• Wei Guo

• Yu Niu

• Tian Qiu, East China Normal University

• Dongfang Zheng, East China Normal University

• Jiaojiao Zhong, East China Normal University